As an added comment to this - Alister Chapman told me that the sidecar files that you spoke of, are there to tell some NLEs and software what codec to use so it does not just read the files itself and use a generic h.264 codec in the software - XVAC-S is a really good h.264 codec, that if read by a generic h.264 and processed, it will still work but it would be limiting it. So his advice was to always keep them with the files and only change the name of the files by using Catalyst which will re-write the .xml files with the changed filename. I have mentioned this in other forums and people always say that they change the names and everything works fine. But Alister knows his stuff when it comes to Sony cameras. So I would heed his advice- the files are tiny.
It is in the file header so NLEs can easily find it. "Format : XAVC Codec ID : XAVC (XAVC/mp42/iso2)" I wonder which NLE he is referring to that is a problem.
Can't speak for Sony, but the data is there in Panasonic mp4 files, it's just that most apps don't look for it in video. I use a simple binary called exiftool and run it from the command line (plus it's nice to have it returned as text). Give it a try.
From when I used it more often, I think it only lists a few PPs, and the wording is somewhat confusing. But I do remember seeing some explicitly listed (slog I am pretty sure about) - it might be the capture gamma field Dave. I dont have a Sony cameras on me to test (but I could probably bring up some older footage)
So...Sony has their "Catalyst Production Suite" (Prepare, Edit, which were originally simple-function software) for higher-end pro cameras running under a subscription model (?-$) and their newly-labeled Sony Vegas "Movie Studio 15" line (prices reduced) for consumer/prosumers? I still haven't pulled the trigger on NLE hardware/software because at my age (70...learning and remembering new software is increasingly a challenge) and waiting for CPU/GPU dust to settle at bit. I want something that will work with my a7M3 and not overwhelm me with 'bells & whistles' like Adobe products. Anyone have hands-on with both Sony software offerings?? Dave?
Dan Smedra Vegas Pro is no longer owned by Sony another company is still working on it I believe. You can find copies of it pretty cheap around the web now, I got a copy for usd$25 on humble bundle a couple of years ago.
Unfortunately Sony don't include that information in MP4 files on the a6500. They do on MTS files??? Plus Catalyst browse doesn't deliver all the info with GH5 files and it won't even read some Canon files. So I use the excellent app EXIFToolGUI. It's non propriety and It works for photos and video from all brands, and delivers more information than Catalyst browse.
I just tried it and does not show anything from Sony files. Are you saying that it will show aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc from .MP4 files made by Sony? So far the only tool that I have seen it show is Sony Catalyst.
The Sony engineers took notes and said they would discuss it back in Japan, but that was like 4 years ago. It could be that Adobe and BM don't care to include it.
I’m guessing it’s not a standard like EXIF, so it doesn’t work across different brands. Blackmagic, as a smaller company, might respond if contacted directly.
